But what really opened my eyes was when I had a student in India who was learning some non yoga-related material (hoodoo rootwork and conjure if you are curious) from me via online correspondence. Quite often, when discussions of my personal practice came up, he would say "oh, yeah, that sounds like the tantrists here" or "that is used the same way in tantra" -and none of these discussions were remotely related to sex-
So, naturally, I do what I have always loved doing; research. What I found was surprisingly not surprising. Basically, I had been doing tantra all along. I am writing this blog now because there is still a severe lack of published material in the English language which discusses tantra in the context of anything other than a sort of "sex magic" or sexual yoga.
Yes, sex has been a part of tantra for centuries. Depending on the period of history and the region, the cultures wherein it was practiced took fairly liberal views on sex and sexuality, to the point of being so foreign to our current cultural sensibilities, they are literally unfathomable to most. The same could be said of many of the early commentators, which is why we still have the idea of the "depraved and hedonistic savage" etched in our collective consciousness when we think of precolonial India. How many of you find "Kama Sutra" among your first five thoughts when you think of Indian culture? Never mind that "Sutra" is a word for a holy text, and there are many, MANY more of them besides the Kamasutra. Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, for instance? For those unfamiliar, they have nothing to do with sex, just like 90% (or more) of tantra.
Let's start with an excerpt from my upcoming book
"Tantra derives from a root word which indicates “weaving” as of threads on a loom. In simplest terms, it is the comingling of various systems and practices to fashion something which the practitioner feels to me more “whole” or complete. On a deeper level, it is the act of finding one’s own path through yogic practice and taking their samadhi- self-realization- to the next tier. Remember, this is not just “enlightenment” or “bliss” but rather glimpsing the true nature of reality, beyond ego and limitations of the physical world. Sometimes, once you have touched the infinite like that, you come back seeing yourself in a different light. Actualization of this new self, this REAL self, is the point from which tantra begins. It is the expression of the divine essence within."
Some schools revere Shiva and/or Shakti, both of whom are ancient Gods whose religions likely predate Hinduism itself. Some tantrists even go so far as to imitate the God or Goddess in certain ways. Tantrists may engage in ecstatic rituals, ascetic practices, both, or neither! Herbal remedies both for physical and spiritual concerns, such as affliction by the "evil eye" may be used, often also accompanied by some type of ritual. Not all tantrists are alike. In fact, any given tantric lineage may be VASTLY different from the next.
The key prevailing features are;
There are three major lines of yogic (not just tantric, but yoga in general) tradition; dakshina- the "right hand path" characterized by the sattvic guna, madhyama- the "middle path" characterized by the rajasic guna, and vama- the "left hand path" characterized by the tamasic guna. Most of what you see about yoga today comes from the dakshina perspective, which regards sattva as the most pure. This is where you get the vegan diets and emphasis on remaining ever pure in mind and body. It is appealing to westerners because many continue to struggle with rather Victorian and puritanical sensibilities due to the prevalence of Christianity in the culture. Rajas is described as "lustful" in some texts. Spicy foods are considered "rajasic" and those following the madhyama traditions may not have such strict restrictions against meat as those of the dakshina traditions do. Vamachara is the opposite end of the spectrum. Meat is considered "tamasic" as are salt, oil, fermented foods (like cheese, wine, and pickles) and mushrooms. Some vama lines are ascetics, practicing austerities, rejecting society, or even acting intentionally counter to what is considered "normal" and acceptable as the most notorious of vama tantrists, the Aghori, do.
Tantra is really about blending all of these lines as befits the individual experience of samadhi, and the expression of God as it wishes to be expressed by the individual. Tantra is not even strictly Hindu. Buddhism has an ancient tantric tradition. Tantra also has connections to Jainism, Sikhism, and even Taoism. The quintessential nature of tantra is that it does not limit itself, but rather seeks knowledge, modes of expression, and inspiration from any and all sources.
My own yoga practice began with kundalini. This, by the way, is very much NOT recommended as the first step in any yogic practice, but I was already groomed to be a shaman from a very young age, so this felt right to me and I handled it as well as can be expected. Because of my early kundalini awakening, and because I knew, as a shaman, what it meant to have a personal connection with what most would call "God" and the individual expression thereof, tantra was really the only place I could go. I was later certified in Iyengar yoga as well. I am also a student of the Tao, Celtic tradition, and Nordic Galdr and Seidhr. Any two or three of these things would be enough to make my practice "tantric" but I also use Western humorism, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Ayurveda in my holistic healing practices. Again, weaving together lines of disparate traditions to form something whole and unique.
The most important, and esoteric component to keep in mind with all of this, is that tantra is not merely "eclecticism" but rather something inspired, or guided, through an individual experience with samadhi- enlightenment, unity with God, glimpsing the Source, and, most importantly, in the absence of ego. Simply "doing what you like" is an ego-driven prerogative, and, therefore, not tantra, because samadhi cannot take place in the presence of ego.
It is for this reason that tantric traditions are generally secretive and initiation-based. At the very least, one typically needs a guru. The average student then follows the way the guru has laid out, but said guru is also capable of seeing the differences in the student, and can guide them along the path. This is important as the kundalini awakening starts to hit because the guru can them help them through this upsetting and confusing time. This is exactly why shamans had mentors, and why some have warned that yoga and meditation retreats can lead to a kind of psychosis (I will try to find links later and include them at the end of this article). To be clear, it is NOT guru and initiation based because we are trying to hoard our secrets or further some base and greedy agenda. Teaching tantra is not exactly lucrative. We do it this way so we can personally protect the student from the pitfalls with which we ourselves are intimately familiar.
Most modern "yogis" and I use quotations here because I am applying the term as loosely as I know how, are familiar only with asana- the practice of physical postures. Many also practice meditation. Some do mantra (chanting). Tantrists commonly use all of these and more. I myself use asana (poses), mudra (gestures), and pranayama (breathing techniques) in every session. I use mantra almost daily myself, but some clients are still uncomfortable with it. My knowledge of modern science and conventional medicine commonly find their way into my talks with clients and I will advise them on diet based on my combined knowledge of these AND the holistic modalities noted above. I can identify temperament (western model) and dosha (ayurveda) pretty much on sight, but I will also take into careful consideration any special restrictions, contraindications, or necessary supplementation based on preexisting conditions, medications, and lifestyle. The asanas and other exercises I prescribe are selected the same way. Some breathing exercises, for instance, increase "cold" or "heat" in the body. You might not think that something as simple as breathing could do this, but it can and it does. A person's dosha can be balanced or unbalanced by simply practicing one pranayama or the other. It is our job to know these things. Likewise, a person with hypertension should avoid certain asanas at the risk of passing out! Again, we must know these things. Any legitimate yoga instructor should, but as tantrists, we are able to draw from a deeper pool of knowledge and recommend other ways to achieve goals even when more "typical" yogic practices are contraindicated.
About Meditation Induced Psychosis
Sadhguru of ISHA Institute on Tantra
Female Tantric Gurus
Yes, sex has been a part of tantra for centuries. Depending on the period of history and the region, the cultures wherein it was practiced took fairly liberal views on sex and sexuality, to the point of being so foreign to our current cultural sensibilities, they are literally unfathomable to most. The same could be said of many of the early commentators, which is why we still have the idea of the "depraved and hedonistic savage" etched in our collective consciousness when we think of precolonial India. How many of you find "Kama Sutra" among your first five thoughts when you think of Indian culture? Never mind that "Sutra" is a word for a holy text, and there are many, MANY more of them besides the Kamasutra. Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, for instance? For those unfamiliar, they have nothing to do with sex, just like 90% (or more) of tantra.
Let's start with an excerpt from my upcoming book
"Tantra derives from a root word which indicates “weaving” as of threads on a loom. In simplest terms, it is the comingling of various systems and practices to fashion something which the practitioner feels to me more “whole” or complete. On a deeper level, it is the act of finding one’s own path through yogic practice and taking their samadhi- self-realization- to the next tier. Remember, this is not just “enlightenment” or “bliss” but rather glimpsing the true nature of reality, beyond ego and limitations of the physical world. Sometimes, once you have touched the infinite like that, you come back seeing yourself in a different light. Actualization of this new self, this REAL self, is the point from which tantra begins. It is the expression of the divine essence within."
Some schools revere Shiva and/or Shakti, both of whom are ancient Gods whose religions likely predate Hinduism itself. Some tantrists even go so far as to imitate the God or Goddess in certain ways. Tantrists may engage in ecstatic rituals, ascetic practices, both, or neither! Herbal remedies both for physical and spiritual concerns, such as affliction by the "evil eye" may be used, often also accompanied by some type of ritual. Not all tantrists are alike. In fact, any given tantric lineage may be VASTLY different from the next.
The key prevailing features are;
- Centrality of ritual- whether elaborate or simple, tantra tends to ritualize life, even to the point of infusing every act with sacred or spiritual intention.
- Ascension, by any and all means- whether by plunging the depths of the most base and vile elements of human existence, shunning all that is impure to cultivate the most pristine state, or using passion and other ecstatic devices as a vehicle to carry you to higher states... Tantra is always seeking what is beyond the physical world. That's the part most people fail to realize about it. The Aghoris are known for things like drinking urine and smoking marijuana laced with crystalized cobra venom, but their goal is "purity within the most impure." Tantric sex, as we shall discuss later, can improve your sex life, but it serves a higher purpose. Tantra simply does not dismiss anything outright, but that does not mean all currents of tantra embrace them either. More importantly, whatever means are used, the goal is always the same...
- Unity with God- or the universe, the source, Siva, Shakti, or whatever you wish to call it. The ultimate goal of tantra is to manifest the divine within, and to radiate that presence without.
There are three major lines of yogic (not just tantric, but yoga in general) tradition; dakshina- the "right hand path" characterized by the sattvic guna, madhyama- the "middle path" characterized by the rajasic guna, and vama- the "left hand path" characterized by the tamasic guna. Most of what you see about yoga today comes from the dakshina perspective, which regards sattva as the most pure. This is where you get the vegan diets and emphasis on remaining ever pure in mind and body. It is appealing to westerners because many continue to struggle with rather Victorian and puritanical sensibilities due to the prevalence of Christianity in the culture. Rajas is described as "lustful" in some texts. Spicy foods are considered "rajasic" and those following the madhyama traditions may not have such strict restrictions against meat as those of the dakshina traditions do. Vamachara is the opposite end of the spectrum. Meat is considered "tamasic" as are salt, oil, fermented foods (like cheese, wine, and pickles) and mushrooms. Some vama lines are ascetics, practicing austerities, rejecting society, or even acting intentionally counter to what is considered "normal" and acceptable as the most notorious of vama tantrists, the Aghori, do.
Tantra is really about blending all of these lines as befits the individual experience of samadhi, and the expression of God as it wishes to be expressed by the individual. Tantra is not even strictly Hindu. Buddhism has an ancient tantric tradition. Tantra also has connections to Jainism, Sikhism, and even Taoism. The quintessential nature of tantra is that it does not limit itself, but rather seeks knowledge, modes of expression, and inspiration from any and all sources.
My own yoga practice began with kundalini. This, by the way, is very much NOT recommended as the first step in any yogic practice, but I was already groomed to be a shaman from a very young age, so this felt right to me and I handled it as well as can be expected. Because of my early kundalini awakening, and because I knew, as a shaman, what it meant to have a personal connection with what most would call "God" and the individual expression thereof, tantra was really the only place I could go. I was later certified in Iyengar yoga as well. I am also a student of the Tao, Celtic tradition, and Nordic Galdr and Seidhr. Any two or three of these things would be enough to make my practice "tantric" but I also use Western humorism, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Ayurveda in my holistic healing practices. Again, weaving together lines of disparate traditions to form something whole and unique.
The most important, and esoteric component to keep in mind with all of this, is that tantra is not merely "eclecticism" but rather something inspired, or guided, through an individual experience with samadhi- enlightenment, unity with God, glimpsing the Source, and, most importantly, in the absence of ego. Simply "doing what you like" is an ego-driven prerogative, and, therefore, not tantra, because samadhi cannot take place in the presence of ego.
It is for this reason that tantric traditions are generally secretive and initiation-based. At the very least, one typically needs a guru. The average student then follows the way the guru has laid out, but said guru is also capable of seeing the differences in the student, and can guide them along the path. This is important as the kundalini awakening starts to hit because the guru can them help them through this upsetting and confusing time. This is exactly why shamans had mentors, and why some have warned that yoga and meditation retreats can lead to a kind of psychosis (I will try to find links later and include them at the end of this article). To be clear, it is NOT guru and initiation based because we are trying to hoard our secrets or further some base and greedy agenda. Teaching tantra is not exactly lucrative. We do it this way so we can personally protect the student from the pitfalls with which we ourselves are intimately familiar.
Most modern "yogis" and I use quotations here because I am applying the term as loosely as I know how, are familiar only with asana- the practice of physical postures. Many also practice meditation. Some do mantra (chanting). Tantrists commonly use all of these and more. I myself use asana (poses), mudra (gestures), and pranayama (breathing techniques) in every session. I use mantra almost daily myself, but some clients are still uncomfortable with it. My knowledge of modern science and conventional medicine commonly find their way into my talks with clients and I will advise them on diet based on my combined knowledge of these AND the holistic modalities noted above. I can identify temperament (western model) and dosha (ayurveda) pretty much on sight, but I will also take into careful consideration any special restrictions, contraindications, or necessary supplementation based on preexisting conditions, medications, and lifestyle. The asanas and other exercises I prescribe are selected the same way. Some breathing exercises, for instance, increase "cold" or "heat" in the body. You might not think that something as simple as breathing could do this, but it can and it does. A person's dosha can be balanced or unbalanced by simply practicing one pranayama or the other. It is our job to know these things. Likewise, a person with hypertension should avoid certain asanas at the risk of passing out! Again, we must know these things. Any legitimate yoga instructor should, but as tantrists, we are able to draw from a deeper pool of knowledge and recommend other ways to achieve goals even when more "typical" yogic practices are contraindicated.
Okay, so what about Tantric Sex?
If you have read this far, I suppose I owe you this much in thanks for reading (and hopefully sharing) my article. Tantric sex is NOT about "better
sex" but about reaching higher states through the vehicle of sex. I
realize that sounds the same to some of you, so let me clarify; When engaged in true tantric sex, the physical act of sex is not the focus. Instead, it is more like a challenge to see if you can transcend the body, even in the throes of intense pleasure, to unite and elevate one another to spiritual platforms hitherto unseen. Even this is but one small facet of what is generally considered to be a "left hand path" (vamachara) of tantra yoga. Yes, it can improve your sex life and intensify your intimacy, but that is not the point. If you enter into it with "better sex" as a goal, you will have already failed before you even begin. Instead, sex is ritualized, serving as a union between cosmic energies (like Shiva and Shakti) through the vessels of the respective partners. The body is the vessel, not the object of focus. Orgasm, or at least ejaculation, is often withheld in tantric sex practices so as to build up an intensity of sexual energy that is then redirected into other channels. Through yogic practices known as "bandha" (a type of "mudra" or gesture which "locks" certain areas of the spiritual/physical body systems) one develops control of their internal muscles so that they can actually internalize the orgasm. This allows the orgasm to be repeated and the energy to be recycled. When males do this, they may intrajaculate, sending sexual fluids back into the body. When females do it, their vaginal walls tighten and pull in, creating a pulsating energy that is intense for both partners. Once again, none of the physical effects are really the point though. The action is called "mulahbandha" or "root lock" and it is the seat of human instinct. Sexual union is a basic, animal instinct. Engaging in tantric sex engages the most primal within us. When we "lock" the physical seat of this spiritual "organ" known as the root chakra during the moment of physical orgasm we engage that energy the most intense way possible. That energy then fuels the upper chakras, rather than being released in the form of sexual fluids and the energy of physical orgasm. THAT is the point of it.
It is not required that a student engage in sexual intercourse with the guru to learn tantra. Again, tantra is much, much more than just sex, but even if the system being taught uses sex as a vehicle, the choice to engage in intercourse is one made between consenting adults, and should have nothing to do with the student/guru relationship. Teachers of tantra should really avoid any kind of sexual interaction with students because it is bad for business and almost always leads to legal trouble down the road. That is not to say that there has never been a reputable guru that taught tantra in this way. Both male AND female gurus may have existed at different points in time who engaged in sexual union with students and supplicants, but that is a subject for other articles. Today, it is just too easy to get wrapped up in the power, and too easy to get in serious legal trouble over it. Which is why I emphasize, even IF the current of tantra you are interested in involves sex, don't let a "guru" convince you that the only way to learn is to have sex with them. If YOU want to engage in that kind of relationship, or seek that sort of teacher, just remember that it is and always was your personal choice, and that you assumed all the potential risks thereof. Probably better you not put a teacher in that position though.
It is not required that a student engage in sexual intercourse with the guru to learn tantra. Again, tantra is much, much more than just sex, but even if the system being taught uses sex as a vehicle, the choice to engage in intercourse is one made between consenting adults, and should have nothing to do with the student/guru relationship. Teachers of tantra should really avoid any kind of sexual interaction with students because it is bad for business and almost always leads to legal trouble down the road. That is not to say that there has never been a reputable guru that taught tantra in this way. Both male AND female gurus may have existed at different points in time who engaged in sexual union with students and supplicants, but that is a subject for other articles. Today, it is just too easy to get wrapped up in the power, and too easy to get in serious legal trouble over it. Which is why I emphasize, even IF the current of tantra you are interested in involves sex, don't let a "guru" convince you that the only way to learn is to have sex with them. If YOU want to engage in that kind of relationship, or seek that sort of teacher, just remember that it is and always was your personal choice, and that you assumed all the potential risks thereof. Probably better you not put a teacher in that position though.
Sadhguru of ISHA Institute on Tantra
Female Tantric Gurus
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